EU Open Letter

We write to you as representatives of music and theatre, as well as artists, creative professionals, technical workers and crew that support these performing arts, from across the European Union and United Kingdom. We welcome your intention to take forward a summit on 19 May in London to consider the closest relationship it will be possible for the EU and the UK to build. We fully understand that defence and security will be central to your considerations in May as it puts our shared values at the core. Upon the occasion of the Summit we kindly encourage you to take this opportunity to also discuss other areas of importance to the relationship that will deliver tangible benefits for the people of the EU and the UK. Cultural exchange and cooperation between the EU and the UK is one such issue, with both the EU-UK Domestic Advisory Group and EU-UK Parliamentary Partnership Assembly recently highlighting concerns in this regard. Put simply, the current arrangements are not working. Which means audiences, artists and venues in the EU and UK are missing out on the enormous benefits which closer cultural exchange would bring. Our strong collective desire to share, learn and inspire in the creativity from both the EU and the UK is united. As our political leaders, we call on your combined efforts in these important talks to overcome any obstacles and barriers affecting the economic and cultural growth of this important sector, that currently stand in the way of fulfilling this relationship.